Homebodies - Angels with broken wings...
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- Published on Saturday, December 17, 2016
By Rita Friesen
The Neepawa Banner
Among my crèche collection is a hand crafted ceramic trio, Joseph, Mary and babe in manger, created in shades of blue and grey, that call to me. I am certain it was a gift, for alas, I seldom indulge myself in works of art. At another time I was gifted an angel, smaller that the trio, but of the same colour and style. The four-inch-tall member of the angelic host was designed to be a tree ornament, but somehow, on this earthly voyage, a wing got broken.
I am reluctant so set her aside, (I know angels can be any gender, just as surely as I know this one is a young girl). Angelica now stands close to the family, her broken wing tucked out of sight, sheltered by the drape of Josephs cloak. This diorama comforts and strengthens me. Mary, Joseph and babe are featureless, easily identified as a family grouping. Any family grouping. Any culture, creed or country. The young angel is both blessing and seeking blessing as she nestled close for warmth and family.
Atop my mantle stands a repurposed angel. Her first life was as a spindle on a weaving loom. Her lovely wings are tin, painted brown, with an antique blotting technique. Also a gift, she is bold and strong enough to grace my home all year round. Life for her has been a bit rough as well, for the tip of one corner of her wing has lost its paint and a patch of silver shines. I could carefully remove the wing, reverse it and reconnect it. I have the tools and the ability. Somehow catching that glimpse of humanity, that piece with the paint off, comforts and strengthens me.
Posted on ‘Cousins Corner’ (Facebook), one of my cousins shared photos of her tree topper. “The first angel was made by my daughter when she was a little girl. I put her at the top of the tree and surround her with other angels to keep her safe. The one legged, one armed one was made by a granddaughter when she was very small. She keeps telling me to throw it away cause it is falling apart. But I like her the was she is.”
There is a strong message for me in all three of these angels. Humanity struggles for and with perfection. We have flaws, broken wings, chipped paint and missing body, mind and spirit parts. But we are loved. We are too precious to be thrown away or hidden in a box for all time. Our flaws, our weaknesses, when shared, encourage others. Some of our hearts greatest treasures are tattered and torn. And yet they are treasures. May this Christmas season open our minds to the mystery of the angels surrounding us. Human and heavenly.
